Universal suspension device for operating theater tables

ABSTRACT

A surgical table suspension device for holding or carrying auxiliary equipment is described. The suspension device can be reusable and adapted to have a universal fit to rails that have a multitude of different cross-sectional geometries or sizes.

INTRODUCTION

1. Section I—Field of Invention

The present invention pertains to a mechanical device that is adapted tofit as an attachment for suspending auxiliary articles from variety ofsubstrates. In particular, the invention relates to a kind of hook orhanger device that can be attached to a variety of different kinds ofequipment in order to suspend them from an operating from table or apatient's hospital bed.

2. Section II—Background

Operating theater tables currently in use generally conform to two majordesigns. The first design has the bed of the table supported fromunderneath with a pedestal-like structure located near the center of thetable. This first configuration is more common in operating theaters;hence, it is often referred to as either the standard or conventionaltable design. The table has a rectilinear side rail on either side thatextends from a side of the bed of the table a short distance (e.g., upto 2 inches). The second design, often referred as a Jackson operatingtable (U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,106, incorporated herein by reference), hasno central, pedestal-like support structure underneath. Rather, thetable bed is supported or cantilevered from each end of the tablestructure. This permits the curved C-arm of some radiological machinesto easily fit beneath the bed of the table and around a patient lying onthe bed. The Jackson table is typically used in spinal surgeryprocedures, or other surgeries that may involve radiological detection,internal visualization, or other indirect visual imaging visualtechniques, such as NMRI transmitter, endoscopic surgery, etc. No siderail is present on either side of the Jackson table, which maycomplicate imaging or access to the patient. Instead, a rounded rail ofup to about 2-inch diameter is situated underneath the bed at either thehead or foot ends or both of the table.

Since the configuration of the Jackson table, unlike the more commonfirst design, does not have a conventional rectangular-shaped side railor bar from which operating room equipment often can be suspended duringa medical procedure, operating room (OR) staff can encounterdifficulties in securing medical instruments, monitors, or otherequipment to this type of table. A need exists for a suspension hookthat is adaptable to both rectilinear and rounded forms of rails ondifferent types of operating room tables and can be used with eitherconformation interchangeably.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While most operating room tables have conventional side rails withrectangular cross-sections for attaching auxiliary supports andequipment, there are other types of tables, for example Jackson tables,which have no such side rails, but instead have support bars of circularcross-section. Hangers designed to mirror the rectangular side raildimensions do not always accommodate such circular cross-section supportbars. Appropriately designed hangers - those that partially retain therectangular shape but combine an arc-shaped lower element with somedegree of flex- can be used on both rectangular cross-section side railsand round support bars. Such a hanger allows easy attachment to bothrectangular and circular cross-sections in order to facilitate linecontrol of tubes & cords and quick placement of instrumentation. Anapplication for such a universal hanger is to attach and support gas orliquid delivery lines, such as temperature controlled fluid deliverylines for a patient temperature management system.

The invention pertains in part to a device for suspending equipment orthings from a bar. The invention may take the form of a universalsurgical table hook comprising: a first extension with a length A, asecond extension with a length B, and a third extension with a length C,such that the first, second and third extensions are oriented in alargely perpendicular fashion relative to each other in a substantiallyC- or U-like shape; a protuberance extending from either said first orthird extensions, or both; and the first, second, and third extensionstogether are configured to engage with bars of multiple geometricprofiles. The second and third extensions are resilient and flexrelative to said first extension when subjected to lateral forces. Thehook can have a large hair-pin-like conformation with at least twoprotrusions, notches or ridges of either similar or varying sizes,arranged along the third extension. In some embodiments, the protrusionsmay also run along the first extension, mirroring the geometries andsizes of the protrusions on the third extension. This configuration isto adapt the hook to engage and fit well with a bar having a profilethat is triangular, rectangular, circular, curvilinear, or polygonal.The first, second and third extensions each has a width that issufficient for it to securely engage with either a rectilinear or curvedor circular bar.

The device has a planar element with a first end and a second end. Theplanar component that extends from the first end a distance A along afirst major section A, bends in a substantially orthogonal turn (betweenabout 80 degrees to about 100 degrees), extends for a distance B alongsection B, and bends again in a substantially orthogonal turn back tosubstantially parallel the first major section, and proceeds a distanceC along section C to the second end, which in come embodiment may flareoutward away from the first major section. Between the two substantiallyorthogonal turns, section B can be straight and level or it can beslightly arched or curved, concave or convex, preferably concave in comeembodiments. The radius of curvature for the curved areas of the hookcan be rather shallow (i.e., having a large radius), or deep (i.e.,having a short radius), depending on the desired configuration or theattachment area of the operating table.

In another iteration, the invention provides a surgical table fastenerthat comprises a first panel with a first distance (A), a second panelwith a second distance (B), and a third panel with a third distance (C),the first, second and third panels are bent relative to each other suchthat the first and second panels are substantially parallel with eachother and separated from each other by a distance Y, and the third panelis flexible relative to the first panel. The third panel has at leastone protrusion adapted to engage with bars of multiple geometricprofiles. The first panel in some designs may also incorporate at leastone protrusion. The distance Y is less than or equal to the seconddistance (B), and the third panel has a terminal end that is orientedaway from the first panel, extending outward for a distance D, whichdoes not exceed 113 the length of the second distance (B). The thirdpanel can be deformed (i.e., flexed or slightly bent) to accommodate abar of either round or polygonal profile, when said bar has across-sectional dimension that is greater than said distance Y betweenthe first and second panels.

The invention may include a surgical table having an auxiliary fasteninghook configured to securely engage with bars of multiple geometricprofiles such as described herein.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will berevealed in the following detailed description. Both the foregoingsummary and the following detailed description and examples are merelyrepresentative of the invention, and are intended to provide an overviewfor understanding the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A-C are schematic depictions in a series of side views of theprocess by which a hanger device with a squared-rectilinear head engageswith a conventional operating room table having a rectangular side bar.FIG. 1D illustrates that the structure of a conventional hanger isdistorted when forced to engage with a round bar.

FIGS. 2A-C shows in three-quarter perspective view, schematicillustrations of three exemplary embodiments according to the presentinvention. FIG. 2A shows an embodiment in which a rounded or archedcurve protruding section is incorporated as part of an arm of thehanger. FIG. 2B shows an embodiment with an angled, triangular, orrectangular protrusion. FIG. 2C shows an embodiment having rounded andrectangular protrusions extending from both sides of undulating arms.

FIGS. 3A-C depict a schematic illustration in a series of side views ofthe process by which an embodiment of the present invention engages withattachment bars of varying geometric profiles.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention and its interaction with a round bar.

FIG. 5 illustrates the relative dimensional parameters for a hanger thatflexes outward to fit around a round bar.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the relative parameters for thedifferent components relative to each other, and a bar on an operatingroom table.

FIG. 7A and 7B are alternative embodiments of the present hanger device,in which the hooked portion is bifurcated by a gap into a two sectionsor twines, so as to be able to accommodate a vertical post in between.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

During the course of a surgery in an operating theater, often timesauxiliary medical equipment is needed to be close at hand to thesurgical table for access by either surgeons or their assistants.Conventional operating tables in general use, according to a standarddesign, have side rails with rectangular cross-sections situated alongthe length of each table. Auxiliary support hooks, such as a hanger forsuspending fluid delivery line interface junction, such as used intemperature management systems, typically have a squarish or rectangularcross-section that enables the hanger to fit and engage with these siderails. This problem is evident from the accompanying Figures, such asillustrated in FIG. 1, which shows the rectangular cross-section siderails on a conventional operating room table used to supportattachments. The hanger attached to the interface junction that connectsthe reusable fluid delivery lines from the control unit to the one-timeuse fluid delivery lines from the pad. With the currently availablerectangular hanger, like that shown in FIG. 1, it can be difficult toengage with bar supports having a rounded cross-sectional profile, suchas those found at either end of the Jackson table. One solution to theproblem is the use of a pliable strip that encircles a support elementon the table and attaches to the interface junction. Previously, workershave often had to improvise and jerrybuild an attachment mechanism tosupport, for example, a fluid delivery line interface junction. Thisimprovisation typically involves, for instance, the use of one plasticstrip that loops around the rectangular side rail, another plastic stripthat loops around the reusable fluid delivery lines, and attachment ofthese strips to each other via a rivet connection. This solution howeveris unsatisfactory, for the pliable strip often weakens, slips or canbreak after repeated stress and use. Given the weight of the fluiddelivery lines and the geometry (right angle edges) of the table'ssupport element (side rail), this approach lacks durability for repeatedreuse. Rectangular side rails, however, are absent on other kinds ofoperating tables, such as a Jackson-style table, which instead use roundsupport bars at either end of the table.

In contrast to the current hanger of the junction interface that isdesigned to fit only a rectangular side rail present on conventionaloperating room tables, the present invention provides a universallyadapted hanger device that can engage a surgical table having attachmentpoints of various geometries. The hanger device can be used to secure,support, and organize auxiliary medical equipment or treatment systemscan help organize, streamline, and simplify technical support proceduresin the operating theater. The peripheral equipment may include monitorsand hoses or feedlines for fluids (both liquids and gases) or vacuum, inthe immediate area around the surgical table. For instance, a “universalhanger” may be part of the reusable portion of a temperature managementsystem solves a problem encountered when only round bar support elementsare available to mount the junction interface of fluid delivery lines.The solution of the invention retains the durable aspect of a currentmetal hanger and a matching fit to rectangular side rails in itstop-most part, but fits round bars via an arced portion below the toppart and that can be reversibly flexed—“out” to fit over the round barand “in” to fit through the gap between the side rail and table properon a convention table.

While the present invention is described with reference to theaccompanying drawings for purposes of illustration, it is understoodthat the invention is not limited to this package embodiment, and otheriterations are included within the scope of the description.

According to a general conception, the invention embodies an adaptableoperating table suspension device configured to securely engage withbars of multiple geometric profiles. As depicted in the accompanyingFIGS. 2A-C, the suspension device includes: a first element 10 thatextends a first distance (A), a second element 12 that extends at alargely orthogonal angle from an end of said first element 10 a seconddistance (B), and a third element 14 that extends from a largelyorthogonal angle from an end of said second element 12 a third distance(C), and which is substantially parallel to said first element 10,forming a substantially rectilinear shape among said first, second andthird elements. Each of the three elements is planar, flat, bent orcurved, with a first end and a second end. The planar component thatextends from the first end a first distance (A) along a first majorelement, section or panel A, bends in a substantially orthogonal turn(between about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees (i.e., 90°±10°),desirably about 90°±3°), extends for a second distance (B) along secondsection B, and bends again in a substantially orthogonal turn back tosubstantially parallel the first major section, and proceeds a thirddistance C along third section C to the second end. The terminus of thesecond end in come embodiment may flare outward away from the firstmajor section A. The first distance (A) is greater than the thirddistance (C) for first and second sections A and C, respectively.Between the two substantially orthogonal turns, section B can bestraight and level or it can be slightly arched or curved, concave orconvex. In some embodiments, the curve is concave, preferably.

The device has a substantially rigid or semi-rigid body, which can flexwhen the third element 14 is compressed laterally towards the firstelement 10. Typically, a primary inflective stress point 16 is situatedat the intersection of the plane of the second and third element orsomewhere along the length of the third-element distance (B), like ahinge joint. Other times the primary inflection point may be located atthe where the first and second elements meet. A secondary or tertiaryinflection point may be located also along the length of the thirdelement, or the second element, or both.

Either the first or third element or both (12, 14) has at least oneprotrusive section along their respective first and third distances (Aor C), which can accommodate a curved or polygonal form in the space Ybetween the first and third elements. The distance (A) is greater thanthird distance (C) for the first, second and third elements,respectively. Typically, first distance A has a length of at least about2 inches, typically about 2.5 inches to about 8 inches in length. Thirddistance C may ranges from-about 1 inch to about 4 inches in length.Second distance B does not exceed a width of a gap of distance X betweenthe bed of an operating room table and a sidebar in a conventionaloperating table. The second distance B can range from about 0.5 inch, upto about 2.5 inches.

The material from which the inventive device is constructed should bemoderately pliable or flexible, yet sufficiently resilient and strong towithstand repeated bending or flexing over many times of use. The hangershould be a durable product designed to absorb the stresses associatewith flexing over multiple incidences of use. For instance, the devicecan be made from either a durable polymer or plastic material (e.g.,polystyrene, polyolefins (polyethylene, polyethylene) polyurethane, oran acrylic polymer), or a metal or metallic alloy material (e.g.,aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or titanium).

The present device has a simple design is distinguished from aconventional screw clamp. Unlike, vise-like clainps that have movingscrews, the present hanger has an advantage of having no majormechanical moving parts or crevices or surfaces that may harbor microbesor other dirt, which is an advantage and convenience, since it can becleaned with a good disinfecting wash or wipe down and can be easier tokeep clean. The materials, nonetheless, should be able to withstandeither high-temperature environments such as found in autoclaves or thestringency of chemical washes used in sanitizing a sterile fieldenvironment. A desirable trait of the present hanger device is theabsence of sharp edges or points that can catches against and/or tearsprotective garments, supply lines or other items. Hence, the device'ssurfaces and edges, in particular those that are exposed to the user oran article or product that may be used during surgery, should berelatively smooth and rounded, so that they do not cut either plastic orfabric materials, or mammalian skin. The lines of the device preferablyare also clean and smooth.

The device has a body that permits the third element 14 to flex towardsthe first element 12 when compressed laterally at the end of the thirdelement 15. The first, second and third elements each can have anaggregate, accumulated width dimension that ranges from about ¼ inch (˜½cm) to about 2.5 inches (˜7 cm), inclusive. As part of either the firstor third elements running along first or third distances (A or C), orboth, the device may have a hair-pin like configuration, with at leasttwo protrusive sections that mirror each side, as reflected along across-sectional, longitudinal mid-line of the device when viewed on itsside. Each protrusive section has a cross-sectional profile that may beindividually triangular, rectangular, circular or curvilinear, or acombination of these forms together in series, such as depicted in FIG.2C, superimposed over each other in profile, or intermixed. The curvedor angled sections on either first element or third element section thatengages with the table may accommodate railings and bars of variousgeometries, sizes, or radii of curvature. In other words, on a hangerwith two or more protrusions, the curvilinear or circular sections mayeach have a different radius of curvature to engage with bars or railswith rounded profiles of varying diameters. It is desirable that thecurvature of the protrusion matches the radius of curvature of thecylindrical (dowel-like) rods.

As part of the function of the suspension device, the first element 10has a means for engaging with or supporting a part of an auxiliarysurgical equipment or apparatus. Examples of such means for attaching orsupporting may include an aperture, protrusion, hook, or cradle forreceiving a fastening element to secure the device to an auxiliarysurgical equipment or apparatus. The aperture is sufficiently large fora user to adjust the length of said first element to a desired orpredetermined dimension. The aperture may be a grommet slot. The deviceis configured to hold equipment from a bar, or be an interface betweendisposable and reusable components. This equipment may include atemperature warming junction box, tubes and hoses, suction line,irrigation line, electrical cable, compressed air or oxygen lines.

The first distance A can have a length of at least about 2 inches orgreater. Typically, first distance A is about 2.5 to about 5, 7, or 8inches, and any length therein between inclusive. The length of thirddistance B can range from about 1 inch to about 3 or 4 inches, or anylength therein between inclusive, typically between about 1.5 to 2.5inches. The dimension length of distance X can ranged from between 0.5inches up to about 2.5 inches, typically about 1 inch or less,preferably between about ¾ inches up to about 1 inch. X represents theouter length, while distance C represents the gap length between thefirst and third elements A and B.

In certain embodiments, the suspension device or hook can have ahair-pin like configuration, with at least two sections that protrudeout from the plane of either the first or third elements along the firstor third distances (A or B), or both. Each protrusion can have either atriangular, rectangular (squarish), curvilinear (curved convex orconcave) or circular (rounded) cross-sectional profile. Desirably,multiple notches or ridges of either similar or a combination of varyingshapes or sizes are used to fit and engage with bar rails of differentprofiles of varying cross-sectional dimensions or diameters. Thecurvilinear or circular sections may each have a different radius ofcurvature to engage with rails of rounded profiles of varying diameters.

For example, the first element 10 or panel A can have an aperture orgrommet slot for receiving a fastening element such as a tighteningscrew to secure the hanger to a part or portion of an auxiliary surgicalequipment or apparatus. This opening can be formed sufficiently large toenable a user to adjust the length of the hanger to the user's desireddimensions. The hanger has a width that is sufficient for it to securelyengage with either a rectilinear or curved or circular railing. Forexample, the width dimension can range from about ¼ inch (˜ 1/2 cm) toabout 2.5 inches (˜7 cm), inclusive. More typically, the width is about1-1.8 inches.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 the show specifics of the invention and clarificationsfrom the current hanger used for the temperature management system. FIG.3A depicts in cross-section or a side view an embodiment of the presentinvention having arced or curved portions mirroring each other on eitherthe first and second elements 10, 14, or alternatively, as indicatedwith a one phantom line, only one arced portion on one side and anon-arced part on the other. FIG. 3B depicts the embodiment according tothat of FIG. 3A engaged with a rectangular bar. The upper-most portionof the hanger fits well with the bar. FIG. 3C is an alternate embodimentthat demonstrates the fit of the hanger with a round bar.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment, with a flex point situated in themiddle portion of the second element 12, and/or also at the intersectionof the second and third elements 12, 14. Two protusions of differentsizes along the third element 14 are shown in series. FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate certain dimension restrictions required for use with the siderails support system of conventional operating room tables. Thesuspension device or hanger has dimensions that approximately conform ormirror the rectangular cross-section of a side rail (width=W andheight=L): the inside dimensions of the hanger (T) are approximately thewidth of the side rail. The maximum width of the hanger (C) must be lessthan the gap (X) defined by the table and the side rail in order for itto pass through in between the two.

Distance B is the distance in between the first and third elements orpanels of the present device. Distance B is less than or equal to thegap distance X between the side rail and the bed of the operating table.The terminal end of the third panel can extend slightly outward awayfrom the first element, by as much as an additional distance D, whichshould not exceed about ⅓ the total length of distance X. The thirdsection or panel of the device, in some embodiments, may be subjected todeformation by flexing in part to accommodate a bar of either round orpolygonal profile, in particular if the cross-sectional dimension of thebar is greater than the distance Y between the first and second panels.

FIG. 6 defines the dimension requirements for the universal hanger tofit on a round bar of diameter (Z): the top-most part has insidedimensions (Y) that are approximately the width of the side rail (W).The arced portion, whether one or two arcs are used, has insidedimensions WI are greater than the diameter of the round bar (Z). FIG. 6defines the other dimension requirements for the universal hanger to fitthrough the gap (X) of the side rail and the table proper and match thewidth of the side rail: the dimensions (W1), the maximum dimensions,must temporarily deflect to dimensions W2 that are equal to the gap (X).All other width dimensions of the hanger are equal or less than (X)Other designs than the ones depicted in the figures but still meetingthe above dimensional requirements are possible.

According to another embodiment, the present hanger device may bebifurcated with a gap. The portion of the device that hooks on to ahorizontally oriented railing (i.e., elements A, B and C) is divided bythe gap into two sections or twines, such as illustrated in FIG. 7A and7B. The gap may be rounded, squared, or V-shaped. The gap is designed toaccommodate a vertically oriented railing or post, such that a sectionof the hook is on either side of the post. The vertical member betweenthe two twines of the hook secures the hanger in place, preventing itfrom sliding to much either way. The hanger can be also used withregular hospital beds.

The present invention has been described generally and by way ofexamples. Those skilled in the art will understood that the invention isnot limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed, and that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, unless changes otherwisedepart from the scope of the invention as defined by the followingclaims, they should be construed as included herein.

1. An adaptable operating table suspension device configured to securelyengage with bars of multiple geometric profiles, said suspension devicecomprising: a first element that extends a first distance (A), a secondelement that extends at a largely orthogonal angle from an end of saidfirst element a second distance (B), and a third element that extendsfrom a largely orthogonal angle from an end of said second element athird distance (C), and which is substantially parallel to said firstelement, forming a substantially rectilinear shape among said first,second and third elements, and either said first or said third elementor both having at least one protrusive section along said first andthird distances (A or C), which accommodates a curved or polygonal formbetween said first and third elements.
 2. The suspension deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein first distance (A) is greater than thirddistance (C) for said first and second elements, respectively.
 3. Thesuspension device according to claim 1, wherein first distance (A) has alength of at least about 2 inches or greater.
 4. The suspension deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein first distance (A) ranges from about 2.5inches to about 8 inches in length.
 5. The suspension device accordingto claim 1, wherein third distance (C) ranges from about 1 inch to about4 inches.
 6. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein saiddistance B does not exceed a width of a gap of distance X between thebed of an operating room table and a sidebar.
 7. The suspension deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein second distance (B) ranges from about 0.5inch up to about 2.5 inches.
 8. The suspension device according to claim1, wherein said material is sufficiently resilient to withstand repeatedbending or flexing over many times of use.
 9. The suspension deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said first, second and third elements eachhas an aggregate, accumulated width dimension that ranges from about ¼inch (˜½ cm) to about 2.5 inches (˜7 cm), inclusive.
 10. The suspensiondevice according to claim 1, wherein said device has a hair-pin likeconfiguration, with at least two protrusive sections as part of eithersaid first or said third elements along first or third distances (A orC), or both.
 11. The suspension device according to claim 1, whereinsaid protrusive section has a cross-sectional profile that istriangular, rectangular, curvilinear or circular.
 12. The suspensiondevice according to claim 11, wherein said curvilinear or circularsections each has a different radius of curvature to engage with railsof rounded profiles of varying diameters.
 13. The suspension deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said device has a body that permits saidthird element to flex towards said first element when compressedlaterally.
 14. The suspension device according to claim 1, wherein saiddevice is formed from either a durable polymer or plastic material, or ametal or metallic alloy material.
 15. The suspension device according toclaim 14, wherein said metal or metallic alloy material is aluminum,stainless steel, or titanium.
 16. The suspension device according toclaim 14, wherein said durable polymer or plastic material is apolystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, or an acrylic polymer.
 17. Thesuspension device according to claim 14, wherein said material is ableto withstand either high-temperature environments such as found inautoclaves or the stringency of chemical washes used in sanitizing for asterile field environment.
 18. The suspension device according to claim1, wherein said device has no major mechanical moving parts.
 19. Thesuspension device according to claim 1, wherein said first element has ameans for supporting a part or portion of an auxiliary surgicalequipment or apparatus.
 20. The suspension device according to claim 19,wherein said means for supporting is an aperture, protrusion, hook, orcradle for receiving a fastening element to secure the device to anauxiliary surgical equipment or apparatus.
 21. The suspension deviceaccording to claim 20, wherein said aperture is sufficiently large for auser to adjust the length of said first element to a desired orpredetermined dimension.
 22. The suspension device according to claim20, wherein said aperture is a grommet slot.
 23. The suspension deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said device is configured to holdequipment from a bar, or be an interface between disposable and reusablecomponents.
 24. The suspension device according to claim 23, whereinsaid equipment includes temperature warming junction box, tubes andhoses, suction line, irrigation line, electrical cable, compressed airor oxygen lines.
 25. A universal surgical table hook comprising: a firstextension with a length A, a second extension with a length B, and athird extension with a length C, such that said first, second and thirdextensions are oriented in a largely perpendicular fashion relative toeach other in a substantially C- or U-like shape; a protuberanceextending from either said first or third extensions, or both; and saidfirst, second, and third extensions together are configured to engagewith bars of multiple geometric profiles.
 26. The hook according toclaim 25, wherein said second and third extensions are resilient andflex relative to said first extension when subjected to lateral stressforces.
 27. The hook according to claim 25, wherein said hook has ahair-pin-like conformation with at least two notches or ridges of eithersimilar or varying sizes.
 28. The hook according to claim 25, whereinsaid bar has a profile that is triangular, rectangular, circular,curvilinear, or polygonal.
 29. The hook according to claim 25, whereinsaid first, second and third extensions each has a width that issufficient for it to securely engage with either a rectilinear or curvedor circular bar.
 30. A surgical table fastener comprising a first panelwith a first distance (A), a second panel with a second distance (B),and a third panel with a third distance (C), said first, second andthird panels are bent relative to each other such that said first andsecond panels are substantially parallel with each other and separatedfrom each other by a distance T, and said third panel is flexiblerelative to said first panel.
 31. The surgical table fastener accordingto claim 30, wherein said first panel or said third panel has at leastone protusion adapted to engage with bars of multiple geometricprofiles.
 32. The surgical table fastener according to claim 30, whereinsaid distance T is less than or equal to second distance (B).
 33. Thesurgical table fastener according to claim 30, wherein said third panelhas a terminal end that is oriented away from said first panel,extending outward for a distance D, which does not exceed ⅓ the lengthof second distance (B).
 34. The surgical table fastener according toclaim 30, where said third panel is deformable to accommodate a bar ofeither round or polygonal profile, when said bar has a cross-sectionaldimension that is greater than said distance T between the first andsecond panels.
 35. A surgical table having an auxiliary fastening hookconfigured to securely engage with bars of multiple geometric profilesaccording to claim 25.